Cameras Watching State Workers

A grievance has been filed against the Cuomo administration by the Public Employees Federation (PEF), a state workers union, for using surveillance cameras against employees. Allegedly, the cameras were used to track the work habits of employees, which they feel is a violation of a section under the workers' labor contract.

The union feels that using the cameras to track the work schedules of employees is a violation of a particular section that states, "no employee in this unit (PEF) shall be required to punch a time clock or record attendance with a timekeeper." I think they have something here.

In case you don't know, the PEF represent numerous state workers here in New York, including the professional, scientific and technical staff. That includes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). At least three DEC employees have been slapped on the wrist for taking a long lunch break or other breaks during their workday.

So, if you think your employer isn't using those surveillance cameras for other records, you might be wrong!